US President Joe Biden convened a meeting with his senior national security team on Monday amid rising concerns over a potential Iranian retaliatory attack on Israel. Biden emphasized being briefed on contingency plans to support Israel in the event of an attack, while Secretary of State Antony Blinken indicated that officials are working tirelessly to prevent an escalation in tensions.
The situation has become more volatile following the assassination of Hamas’ political leader, Ismail Haniyeh, for which Iran has condemned Israel and pledged “severe” retribution. Despite these claims, Israel has refrained from assuming responsibility for Haniyeh’s death.
In light of potential threats, numerous nations, including the US and UK, have advised their citizens to leave Lebanon, where fears remain heightened regarding Hezbollah’s involvement as a military response backer for Iran.
During a call with G7 counterparts, Blinken warned that an attack on Israel from Iran and Hezbollah could occur within the next 24 to 48 hours. Later on Monday, Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris met with high-level security officials to review updates concerning threats posed by Iran and diplomatic initiatives aimed at de-escalating the situation.
Biden stated that discussions included measures to protect US forces and respond decisively to any aggression against them, highlighting recent injuries to US personnel at a military base in Iraq.
Blinken reiterated the message of intense diplomatic engagement, urging all involved parties to avoid escalation, which he warned could lead to further violence and instability throughout the region. He advocated for an immediate ceasefire to foster a more peaceful environment in Gaza and surrounding areas.
Biden also held discussions with Jordan’s King Abdullah II regarding efforts to calm regional tensions, stressing the importance of an immediate ceasefire and the release of hostages. This sentiment was echoed in a joint G7 statement expressing profound concern over the increasing tension in the Middle East, warning that continued escalation would benefit no one.
Negotiations aimed at establishing a ceasefire in Gaza have faltered in the wake of Haniyeh’s death, a culmination of escalating tensions following various violent incidents, including the killing of children in Israeli strikes in the Golan Heights.
Hezbollah’s leadership has vowed significant retaliation following recent Israeli airstrikes, prompting Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps to declare that a “severe punishment” for Israel is imminent. The conflict has intensified since earlier escalations involving drone and missile attacks directed at Israel.
Since the onset of hostilities on October 7, approximately 1,200 individuals have died as a result of the Hamas attack on Israel. In return, over 38,400 Palestinians have reportedly lost their lives amid Israel’s retaliatory actions in Gaza.
As fears mount over a wider regional conflict, Jordan has enacted precautionary measures for airlines, and various airlines have suspended flights to key Middle Eastern hubs. The US has affirmed that it is assessing the situation following injuries to personnel in Iraq.
